Education Improvement Plan for 2024/25

The PKC Education Improvement Plan 2024-2025 builds on the successes of the previous year. Notable achievements include:

• Positive progress towards our aim of leavers achieving one qualification at SCQF Level 5 and the proportion of 16-19 year olds participating in education, employment or training
• 1,615 children are currently registered to use 'kids clubs' and 'Wraparound Care (WAC)', an increase of 118 (8%) on 2022/23, supporting parents and carers to work or take up training

Perth and Kinross is home to around 30,000 young people under the age of 18. Around 3,000 children are in publicly-funded early learning and childcare settings, 10,000 attend primary schools with around 8,000 in secondary schools.

Over 6,000 children - over one third of those attending schools - are recorded as having an Additional Support Need (ASN).

Social, emotional or behavioural needs remains the most frequently recorded reason for support, (103 children per 1000 pupils).

Between 2016 and 2023 there has been significant increases in the number of children and young people with autism (21 to 31 children per 1000 pupils), communication support (7 to 22 children per 1000 pupils), mental health concerns (16 to 20 children per 1000 pupils) and family issues (33 to 42 children per 1000 pupils).

Work will commence to consider and plan for the expansion, as necessary, of intensive learning and support provisions across Perth and Kinross for children and young people in their area.

Learning and Families Committee Convener Councillor John Rebbeck said: "We want every child in Perth and Kinross to reach their full potential.

"Staff in our schools do tremendous work for the children and young people there but we know every improvement we make means better life chances for those pupils.

"Our ambitious plan sets out strategies for improving attendance, raising attainment and providing the right support for those pupils who need it the most."